From Dawah to Disaster: Unraveling Naveed Akram’s Path to Terror

Naveed Akram, once a teenage volunteer for a peaceful Muslim community group, is now under suspicion for a recent mass shooting in Sydney. Despite lacking extremist tendencies in 2019, his radicalization journey surprised authorities. His and his father's actions seem inspired by Islamic State ideology, as evident in their recent travels and findings.

Naveed Akram, at 17, was seen as a community-minded youth, urging others to spread Islamic teachings. Today, at 24, he is under heavy guard in the hospital and suspected of conducting a mass shooting at a Jewish event on Sydney's beach, an act authorities believe was influenced by Islamic State ideology.

Despite an earlier investigation by Australia's domestic intelligence agency following links to Islamic State affiliates, Akram did not show extremist tendencies until years later. The attack resulted in 15 fatalities, with Akram and his father, both suspected attackers, having visited Islamist insurgency-prone regions in the Philippines shortly before.

The shock in the community is palpable as Akram, described by former classmates as a usual and kind personality, now finds himself at the center of a tragic narrative. His interest in Islamic teachings led to his frequent attendance at religious seminars, eventually evolving into actions condemned by former mentors and peers.

(With inputs from agencies.)